CHAPTER 16: THE KOKUYO BUREAU, JUSTICE FOR ALL

Mukuro lead the way, Tsuna following timidly behind. Tsuna watched their backs, even though he wasn't told to do so, but he wanted to at least be useful in something since Mukuro had both the brains and muscles. He was pretty sure that Mukuro didn't need his help at all, he was quite capable to taking care of himself. But Tsuna decided to stay silent and out of the way. He shouldn't ever drag Mukuro down. His own stupidity could only infect Mukuro, for all he knew.

"Hey you! What are you two doing?" A lone White Spell asked, hounding down towards them. Then stopped, "Hey, y-you're M-Muku—" With a flick of his eyes, Mukuro only stared right at him and the officer was knocked out in a similar fashion as the others had in the lab. Tsuna still couldn't get over the insecurities upon seeing people like that tortured, but couldn't protest against it. They had to get out of here. Besides, these people would do the same to them if they didn't defend themselves.

Tsuna remembered all the things he had gone through in his span he had been in Cielo. And to be quite honest, it felt exhilarating, despite that fact that he was scared to death.

"What in the world are you smiling about?"

For a moment, Tsuna only stared back dumbly at Mukuro. He was smiling? Tsuna reached up, touching his mouth. Yeah, he was smiling. "O-Oh. Um, I was just thinking of going home after this."

"I see," Mukuro said understandingly, "You have no idea how good that sounds to me right now."

He contemplated on calling him his name, but realized he never been formally given it. He decided to play dumb and ask, "Um, what is your name?"

"Rokudo Mukuro," Hearing it said by its owner's voice, it sounded rhymey and perfect, "You may call me Mukuro though."

"Okay." He replied simply, happy he was given a response. He stared at his back for a moment. He took comfort in realizing that Mukuro was Hibari's height. Did he realize he was gone yet? If he did, was he searching for him? Tsuna grimaced. Hibari would kill him when he found him. Especially here of all places. But if Hibari ever did find him soon, the first thing he'll say is how freaky is home is. He didn't blame Hibari in being so obsessed with cleaning and picking up his toys after him. He must really treasure Tsuna's world if his world was as cracked up as this. Tsuna vaguely wondered if Hibari knew about Byakuran. That freaky, freaky man. He'd rather not ever meet him again. He was scary, not as scary as Hibari, but in his own unique way. Then there was Mukuro. He was charming, kinda smooth, and really amazingly collected. He wondered how such a strong man could ever get caught by someone as weak-looking as Byakuran.

He then thought about asking Mukuro why the man was in there in that tiny tank in the first place, but held his tongue, deciding against it. Definitely not the time to bring that up.

After what seemed like a million turns and a few more White Spell encounters ("Pathetic attempts to restrain me," Mukuro had said to him,), Mukuro and he reached the elevator. Tsuna said, catching his tall companion's attention, "Mukuro, how did you know where to go?" It had taken him hours, wandering around this floor! How in the world did he know when he was stuck in that tube for such a long time?

Mukuro only turned to look at Tsuna and said braggingly, "I have my ways. They may have limited my powers, but I still had the ability to see and move little things. Now that I'm out, I can pretty much do anything." Mukuro pressed the up button, tapping his foot impatiently against the linoleum floor, "I saw you approaching my tank. It was a bit blurry, since I wasn't use to seeing things so close up."

"Wow." Tsuna said in awe, "Did you hear me too?"

Mukuro gave him a sly look, "Yes, it sounded like you were talking to yourself, but in actuality, you were talking to me?"

"Yes." Tsuna laughed nervously in being caught, putting a hand behind the base of his neck in embarrassment. "I thought you looked relieved that someone was there. It must've been lonely in there."

The tall man gave Tsuna a long inscrutable look, "You are extremely interesting." Was all he said and Tsuna blinked at the speculation. Byakuran had told him that a few moments ago too. What exactly was so interesting about him? He was lousy in a wide variety in—almost everything, and—and just plainly common in all aspects! "That's not true," Tsuna replied with a laugh, "All the girls in my class used to tell me how boring and dull I am all the time."

Before Mukuro could open his mouth in reply, the elevator reached their floor with a sharp ding. Mukuro was about to step inside before Tsuna grabbed his hand, "Wait Mukuro! There are cameras in there!"

Nodding in thanks, Mukuro poked his head in and stared at the camera for a short moment before stepping in, making Tsuna say weakly, "M-Mukuro, the camera…"

"I already turned it off. Get in."

Right. Tsuna laughed shakily before jumping in along with him too. His tall companion pushed the first floor button, mumbling to himself how lousy security was. Mukuro looked curiously at Tsuna. Tsuna looked away, peaked at being caught staring.

"Why are you dressed like that?"

Tsuna jerked his head to look at Mukuro, who was tugging at his blue shirt's sleeve in deep scrutiny. Tsuna's mind reeled. What should he say? Lie? Yeah, he should definitely lie. Who knows what he would do if he found out he wasn't from here? Probably murder him on the spot, thinking he's a alien. Tsuna gulped inaudibly and shakily replied, "Sleep-walking, and I got into some trouble with the White Spell about stealing bread." Well, that wasn't exactly a lie, but that wasn't exactly the truth either.

Mukuro looked seriously confused at his explanation, "Sleepwalking?" he parroted.

"Yeah." Tsuna nodded. He pointed at his attire in proof, "These are my pajamas."

"And bread magically appeared in your hands?" Mukuro asked, turning his head to the wall to snicker discreetly.

Tsuna wasn't fooled. "Yes! I'm totally serious!" Tsuna protested, craning his body to look at the man's face. Actually he wasn't, but he wasn't going to let him know that.

"So you stole bread sleepwalking." And the blue-haired man was unable to hide the grin that followed.

Unsure of how to explain the bizarre situation he stumbled. "W-Well, I-I don't know…um maybe…er…"

Sensing Tsuna's discomfort, he shrugged, "I'll leave it alone." Mukuro gave him a long penetrating stare, "But you're going to tell me the truth one way or another."

Tsuna gulped, wringing his hands at the hem of his shirt in discomfort.

"Now shh." Mukuro put a hand to Tsuna's face, to which the boy blinked at, "We're here. Stay behind me and everything will be alright."

Tsuna shuddered and braced his feet flat on the floor, expecting to see White Spell soldiers aiming their rifles at them the moment the steel doors open. The elevator halted, and slowly the doors opened with a quiet ding into the busy front lobby. To Tsuna's immense relief, no guns were pointed at them, and no one was even paying attention to them. Mukuro walked on ahead, waving at Tsuna distinctly to follow him. Tsuna complied, staying close at Mukuro's heels out of pure fear. He sent worried looks around him, staring at the idle groups of soldiers. Why weren't they attack them? Surely, Byakuran had sent messages to the entire building about their escape by now!

"Oh! Leonardo!" Tsuna jumped, frightened.

Mukuro turned to look at an approaching White Spell and smiled cheerfully, "Hey there."

Tsuna mouth visibly dropped open. W-What was going on? They were acting as if Mukuro was their friend! Not an escaped experiment! "Who is that?" The White Spell asked, gesturing vaguely at Tsuna. The boy fixed his eyes to his shoes, hoping he was inconspicuous as he seemed.

"A new recruit. I'm showing him the works. He's new, so be kind to him."

The White Spell nodded, "Good for you, kid! You're pretty young but the Millefiore needs all the hands they can get!"

Tsuna mumbled in reply, shrinking further into himself, "Thanks…"

"Well we got to go now, see you later." Mukuro said politely, waving at Tsuna to follow.

"Yeah, see you later at lunch, Leo-kun! Good luck, newbie!" Tsuna waved back, shaking hard.

They walked out the two front double doors in silence, Tsuna breaking out into cold sweat uncontrollably. Mukuro only kept a pleasant smile on his face, waving at more White Spells as they passed. Finally, when they reached a good block away from the white Millefiore building, Mukuro spat, "Did you hear what he said? Disgusting. Millefiore would steal out of cradles if that meant getting more soldiers."

"M-Mukuro…what…was…" Tsuna stopped and Mukuro did the same, both leaning against the building for support, "T-They didn't even care that…"

"I'm an illusionist. I made it so we were anonymous. Anyone wearing a White Spell suit could slip past anywhere. Surely that isn't your first time in an illusion's guise?"

Tsuna couldn't bring himself to reply, he slipped his hands on his knees and breathed hard in the suburban atmosphere, uncaring on how absolutely foul the air smelled. He honestly didn't believe it would be that easy to escape that horrible, horrible white building. "God…I thought we were going to die for sure…"

Mukuro was quiet, glaring at the boy for even a minute doubting him. He was a master illusionist! Anyone with eyes could see that! He opened his mouth to reply coldly, "I believe this is where we will part. Don't get into anymore trouble, I won't be there to save you." Tsuna watched with wide eyes as Mukuro turned around with a swish of his coat and gave a short, abrupt backhanded wave at him.

But…he didn't know how to get home! The thought of being out all by himself absolutely terrified him. "Wait!" Tsuna cried out impulsively. Mukuro turned his body halfway around, staring at Tsuna questioningly, half-annoyed, and waited for him to continue. "I-I'm s-sorry. I-I don't know…what to do now…I'm so lost…I don't even know where I am! I just want to go home—but I don't know how to get there! I want to see my friends and family again…"

Mukuro let out a long-suffering sigh, and put a hand to his forehead, "You really have no where to go?"

For a moment, Tsuna was silent. Then he nodded.

"I knew you were hiding something. Sleepwalking?" Mukuro scoffed at the lie. It was absolutely ludicrous that the boy even thought for a second he had fooled him. He held his hand out to Tsuna, "I do owe you. After all, who wouldn't want the debt of the great Rokudo Mukuro?" Tsuna ignored the conceited jab and grabbed the offered hand without hesitation. With a strong tug, Mukuro straightened him out, and inclined his head to point across the street. Tsuna obeyed, following dutifully.

—

Tsuna didn't know how long they walked, but he was pretty sure they weren't anywhere near that city anymore. The two were walking along a lone road in the middle of nowhere. This place was more desolate, more quieter, and heck of a lot smelled better. Then Tsuna saw it. Trees. There were trees over there. Tsuna ran ahead of Mukuro, who studied the boy's behavior. Tsuna walked up to the tree and touched the leaves that drooped close to the floor. They glowed, just like the potted plant he had seen in Byakuran's interrogation room and the leaf Hibari had given him.

"It's the sun flame. Ken and M.M has sun flames. Either one of those two is probably keeping these alive." Tsuna turned to look at Mukuro questioningly. He continued, "In case you haven't noticed, we don't have a sky. Or a sun, rain, or even clouds." Tsuna nodded slowly and turned to look at the glowing leaves. "We have to use our dying will flames to keep these plants alive. I'm afraid, that people have begun to stop caring for the plants and they'll all die soon." Mukuro pointed at an overturned tree a few meters away, "You see that? That one's completely dead."

"Dying will flames?" Tsuna asked, feeling as if what Mukuro just said was all just a bunch of nonsense.

"Dying will flames, yes." Mukuro confirmed, tapping the bark of the tree absentmindedly, "It is pretty much what keeps us alive. We use it for many things…and the fact that you don't know these things…is alarming." Mukuro turned to Tsuna and narrowed his eyes down at him, "You really aren't from here, are you?"

Tsuna turned his eyes away and looked up at the tree, placing his hand against its bark. He nodded, no longer denying it. Lying would only make things worse. Mukuro looked back at the tree, pleased that Tsuna told at least part of the truth, "People…lately have begun to lose hope. Did you know that once upon a time we had a sky?"

Tsuna shook his head, "No I didn't."

"We had a sky before, but one day, it just vanished. It turned into that gray color you see up there." Mukuro motioned vaguely upwards, "Because the sky was gone, people were going crazy, depressed. They've given up on living. Because after all, what good would life be without the sky and rain to keep things alive? That was when dying will flames were discovered. There were several types. Storm, thunder, rain, sun, mist, cloud. Experts found out that the dying will flames could save the plants, and to this day we still are caring for them. Well, at least some of us still are. People stopped caring, the generation that we live in today has never seen the blue sky so they think the gray is normal. It's actually kind of pitiful, even though our ancestors told us to continue searching for that sky. Some think it's a myth now."

"That's…" Tsuna whispered in thought, "Really strange…"

"Yes." Mukuro agreed. The two stood there for a moment longer, staring at the glowing tree. He nodded to himself, dazedly. So that's what it was…That's why Hibari treasured the sky in Tsuna's world so much…Why he was so comforted by the stars…It was because it was a rare luxury to him.

Mukuro scoffed, "Our world is absolutely terrible, almost disgraceful." Mukuro commented as he walked ahead, "We're almost there. Let's keep going." Tsuna followed, staring at the beautifully colored plants as they passed. The plants were a lot like the ones in his world, only covered in dying will flames.

"Mukuro," Tsuna called from behind. Mukuro grunted. "Where are we going?"

"To the bureau, my home."

Tsuna stopped briefly before running to catch up again. He exclaimed, "Your home? You have a home?"

"Well, it's more like a refuge for people like me."

Tsuna was about to open his mouth to ask about what he meant by that when a building in the far distance came into view. It was more nonsensically rundown than any of the buildings he saw in the city and he couldn't comprehend how anyone could live in it. But he could hear voices. Voices of kids, something he hadn't heard in awhile. Tsuna was magnetically drawn to it, no longer walking behind Mukuro, but beside him. Without a knock or even a call of acknowledgment, Mukuro nearly ripped the gritty door apart just to get it open. The man grumbled in annoyance. "Need to get a new door."

Tsuna stepped over the mounds of trash after Mukuro and surveyed the room. Getting the looks of it, this place used to be popular. A theme park? A convenience store? He didn't know. But he could see signs from the random items discarded on the floor. There were stuff animals, some empty canisters that once filled food, and a few unusable clothes. The inside was as dreary as the outside, making Tsuna wish he hadn't come in at all. It felt like something scary was going to come out…

"Lion channel!" Tsuna and Mukuro exchanged looks. The boy's was one of pure confusion and the other was wary.

Then from the next room, was a core-erupting roar of what could only be a lion. Tsuna screamed in fright, and jumped behind Mukuro. There was a crash of rubble, and then a creature, a hybrid of a lion and a human climbed out over an unhinged door. It growled gutturally at them, prowling towards them.

"Mukuro!" Tsuna shrieked as Mukuro pushed him back and rushed in, leaving Tsuna alone by the door. The long haired man took a metal pipe that was standing ajar from the rubble as he walked calmly past. He tapped at it once, then twice. The pole, touched by Mukuro's hands turned into a long trident, measuring to be even taller than Tsuna himself. And Tsuna watched on, in horrified awe as Mukuro pointed his trident at the creature. "Mukuro!" Tsuna screamed, running towards the man as the lion began to prowl forward. He tugged on his arm insistently but Mukuro would not budge, staring the creature down with intense seriousness and concentration.

"Ken. It's me."

Then it was quiet. The snarling stopped, and all he could hear was Mukuro's smooth breathing and his own desperate gasps. Tsuna peeked around Mukuro, almost hyperventilating in amidst of the silence. The lion hybrid only stared back at them with strangely intelligent eyes, studying them.

"Mukuro-sama?"

Tsuna turned to look to his left at the voice. There was a girl descending from the stairs, a hand to her chest in shock. Tsuna was stunned. She looked like Mukuro. She was very pretty, and like all the other girls he had seen she had a strange hair color; a dark purple color. Her hair was pulled up in a similar fruit fashion like Mukuro's. She seemed out of place with the scenery, looking as if she could model on a poster then hang around in the dusty rubble they were in.

"Mukuro-sama…it is you…I…" The girl's eyes drooped and Tsuna gasped, she was wobbling on her feet! "I'm dreaming…I must be…" And she fell, the girl collapsed against the stairs weakly.

Mukuro clicked his tongue, putting a palm against his face, "This isn't what I had in mind for a warm welcome."

Tsuna immediately began his trek to the girl's side, avoiding the stray rocks and scuffs that were surely there ensure painful falls down the stairs. The boy cautiously kept one eye on the lion as he passed, surprised he was able to move despite his fear, but even more so surprised that the lion just ignored him, fixed his eyes unwaveringly at Mukuro without blinking. When he reached her, he put his hand against her mouth for feel her shaking intakes of breath, he called quietly to the man, hoping he wouldn't break their staredown and the lion would turn his attention to Tsuna, pounce on him, an easier prey. "She's okay."

"Good." Mukuro said at Tsuna without looking and adressed the lion hybrid. "Ken, how long are you going to stand there staring at me?"

Tsuna shook the girl by her shoulder gently, "Excuse me? Are you alright?" The only indication that she heard him was the furrowing of her eyebrows. He was vaguely listening to Mukuro talk…where did he hear that name before? Ken...He knew he knew that name. He heard it recently. Where did he hear that name?

"Mukuro-san! It's really you, pyon!" A boisterous voice exclaimed in replacement of the lion's roar.

Now he remembered! Gently laying the girl back down but as quickly as he could, Tsuna peeked over the banister. He recognized him immediately, that boy that framed him! He knew that hair anywhere! T-That framing jerk! Tsuna waved a hand at him, "You!"

Ken looked up, growling at being interrupted in their reunion, "Mukuro-san, who is…" Ken stared at Tsuna's enraged face for a moment's pause before letting out a small squeak in recognition, "Uh oh."

Tsuna stomped down the stairs and got right up into Ken's face, "You're that guy that put the bread in my hands!"

Ken was speechless, unable to reply. For a moment, Mukuro fully entertained himself by watching Tsuna explode before his eyes lit up in remembrance. Bread appeared in the kid's hands all of a sudden, Tsuna had said in the elevator. Then that must be… "You mean…Ken…"

"Mukuro!" Tsuna spun on his heels and jabbed a finger in Ken's direction, "This guy almost got me killed!" Bemused by this turn of events, Mukuro raised his eyebrows in contempt.

"Hey you little shit! It's 'Mukuro-sama' to you! Who in the hell do you think you are? Fucking—"

"Why is it so loud in here?" The occupants turned to look at a door down the hallway slammed open and another girl came stomping out in a hissy fit. She wasn't at all like the first girl who gave the impression of quietness just by her eyes. This girl's eyes was focused in fury, her pupil dilated in a starkingly great contrast against her face, enraged. "Ken! Damn you! It's always you! Always—…ways…" Her eyes widened, choking on nothing in particular, her voice raised in a screeching octave and she brought a hand to her neck as if it would unclog her throat, "Mukuro-sama!"

The girl's expression changed dramatically, from one of ugly anger to one of pure affection, "Mukuro-sama!" She bursted out, throwing her arms and legs around him. "You're back! I never, well—I thought you left us!" Tsuna turned his eyes politely away, face feeling warm, as the girl's skirt flipped and flashed him for a spit second. Short skirt, Tsuna thought rubbing at his cheek to ward the red away. This was exactly why he liked the purple-haired girl upon first glance. She looked conservative.

"I would never, ever leave you, M.M." Mukuro said smoothly, like a prince, despite the suggestive position; patted her hair like a child. Tsuna realized, her hair was also an unusual color; a red-pink color that was swept to the side with a hairpin. Mukuro looked up from her undying attention, and took one swift glance around him. "Where is everyone else?"

M.M was quick to reply, eager to please, "Chikusa is sleeping, Lanchia's fixing something in the kitchen and I don't know where that stupid girl went—but who cares? Mukuro-sama, you're back!" Tsuna couldn't help but feel that this girl gave off a bully's air.

Ken growled at M.M, "Can't you just lay off for one damn minute you clingy bitch? Let the others have a chance to get a good look at him!"

M.M glared at Ken, but complied out of the sake of proving him wrong. Mukuro coughed to get everyone's attention, "I want to have a meeting later once Chrome wakes up. Meet up later."

"Okay." M.M nodded eagerly, "I'll wake up Kakipii!"

Ken growled at her as she bounced away, hollered Chikusa's name with unfeminine voice with gusto. "Stupid skank. I hate her," The only blond occupant mumbled.

"Ken," Mukuro turned to the mumbling man, who instantly snapped into attention, "Bring Chrome to her room and watch over her. And stay next to her." Mukuro emphasized the last words, giving Ken a meaningful look. Ken grumbled, but complied all the same. Instead of gently picking Chrome up bridal style, the normal courteous way to carry girls, he simply threw her over his shoulders like a sack of potatoes. He walked with great ease up the stairs, not even showing a hint of struggle or grunt as he carried her. Mukuro threw Tsuna an exasperated look, "Really. That boy is entirely infatuated with Chrome. He wouldn't label it as a crush even if it smacked him in the face." Mukuro let out a small snort, shrugging indifferently, "Teenage adolescence."

Tsuna blinked. So Ken actually liked that girl, Chrome.

"Follow me." Mukuro walked swiftly down the hall and Tsuna trailed after, muttering a thanks when Mukuro held a door open for him.

"It's dusty, but it's understandable. I haven't been here for a few months." Mukuro clicked on the lights and Tsuna blinked owlishly around the room. It was just as haggard as the rest of the house, not at all extravagant as Mukuro's clothes or looks. There was a curtain covering the large window that took up the entire wall in the far back of the room that could hardly be called a curtain in the fist place. It had too many holes. The room was big, very big, almost like a stage and maybe as big as his house's first floor. There was a bed in the corner and a few plastic drawers. There was a couch, standing near the window set there craftily, as if it would make the room more fancier than it really was.

"We don't have an extra bed, and this is the only couch we have. You'll be sleeping here with me." Tsuna let out a relief sigh, happy enough there was room for him.

Tsuna turned to smile at him, "Thank you Mukuro."

Mukuro scowled at the floor, crossing his arms. "Well actually, there something else I need you to tell me." Tsuna blinked in inquiry, his silence motivating the other to continue, "You said you were looking for your home. But you don't know how to get there?"

Tsuna nodded. "I…I remember looking into this dark hole in my closet…and it brought me here." His explanation sounded weird, even to his own ears.

"I see." Mukuro mumbled, putting a hand to his chin. "That's strange. The only explanation for that is probably a cloud ring." Mukuro recited a line, making Tsuna stare in awe, "'Clouds are free, unfettered, chainless, and drifting.' They are able to go travel without restrictions."

"Cloud ring?" He parroted, bewildered.

"We use rings to enhance our powers. Certain rings highlight your dying will, depending on what it is. Whoever had a cloud flame must've forgot to close the hole after them. It would explain your current situation."

Tsuna sat back and, pushed a finger to his forehead in thought. To be honest, he didn't understand what had just been explained. All this cloud and rain flames business made his head reel. Did Hibari send him here? No. Definitely not. Hibari would freak out if he knew he was here. Probably would tear the city apart looking for him too. He didn't even know Hibari had flames. The guy never used it in front of him. Tsuna twisted in his seat, looking at Mukuro with eager eyes, "Mukuro, how do you use flames? Can you show me?"

Mukuro got up and held up his trident, waving it gallantly in slow circles. Then slowly, like honey dripping, indigo flames enveloped the trident. Tsuna stared in amazement, hand outstretched towards it, "Isn't it hot?"

"Not really." Mukuro said, holding the trident to him at arm's length. He reached out, hesitated, then Tsuna touched it, then recoiled his arm quickly; it was warm and tingly.

"That felt weird." Tsuna said simply, rubbing at his fingers. Mukuro smirked and threw the trident in the air. It spun wildly in the air, like a baton. Tsuna watched in awe as Mukuro clapped once and it disappeared with a small pop sound.

He applauded, humoring the other. Mukuro bowed mockingly to the invisible audience behind Tsuna. The boy smiled widely.

"Mukuro-sama!" M.M knocked exuberantly on the door, "Everyone is at the table! We're ready!"

"Alright." Mukuro said to the door before turning to Tsuna, "You're coming too."

"Me?" Tsuna asked, pointing to himself, "Um, but why?"

"You'll see." Mukuro walked out first, holding the door. Tsuna trotted out, waiting for Mukuro to close it behind them then trail after him. They went downstairs, and Tsuna struggled to avoid all the debris around the stairs. When they reached the kitchen, Tsuna was suddenly nervous when he felt eyes turn on him. Some were focused entirely on Mukuro, but some looked at Tsuna in curiosity.

"It's all very nice to see you all again." Mukuro said, smiling at the occupants in the room.

They smiled back, M.M waving back at Mukuro enthusiastically.

"First off," Mukuro grabbed Tsuna's shoulder and pushed him so he was standing out in front of him, for everyone to see, "This is Sawada Tsunayoshi. And he is our newest Kokuyo Bureau member."

There was a collective gasp, but the loudest had to be from Ken, "You're shitting me! Why the hell is this kid joining us, Mukuro-san?"

Mukuro shot Ken a dry look, "Ken, he saved my life. And I hate to admit it, but I wouldn't even be here if it wasn't for him. He's staying for as long as he likes."

Ken shut his mouth, looking away with a scowl. Tsuna blinked. He guessed him getting Mukuro out of that tank really was a big thing to these people. The Kokuyo members stared up at Tsuna in wonder, bewildered that such an average looking person saved the Rokudo Mukuro. It was enough for him to stay, more than enough, that he shouldn't even pay rent or give compensation in return for shelter.

Tsuna turned to Mukuro, "The Kokuyo Bureau?"

Mukuro nodded, "This bureau was created for one purpose and one purpose only." Instantly, as if the room was cleaned of its pessimistic atmosphere, the members looked up excitedly at Mukuro's cue.

"To rule the world and its money, baby!" M.M grinned, pumping her fist in the air.

"…To help people." Chrome said softly, her feet dangling from the counter.

"To take down those Millefiore ass-lickers." Ken growled lowly, still sore about the cold look Mukuro had given him earlier, checking out his nails as he leaned back in his chair.

"Ok, ok," Mukuro held up a hand to silence them, near-chuckling when Tsuna gave the taller man an accusing look. That totally wasn't one goal. "You're forgetting one more thing." Mukuro held up a finger. "To bring the sky back."

Tsuna looked at Mukuro so fast, he was sure he got a whiplash, "But how in the world are you going to do that?"

"It's a long story." Mukuro warned.

"I've got time." Tsuna replied just as quickly.

Everyone in the kitchen groaned. "We've heard this so many times!" Ken complained.

Mukuro pushed Tsuna into a seat. "Chrome get him something to drink," The purple haired girl immediately jumped off the counter and scurried quietly about the kitchen, preparing a hot chocolate mug. Mukuro looked at Tsuna, "Do you know what Cielo means?" Tsuna shook his head, and waited for Mukuro to continue. Tsuna didn't want to interrupt Mukuro so he quickly deducted his questions by himself in silence, Cielo was the name that girl on the street gave him. So it was the name of this place, apparently. Like, 'Canada' was to the Earth.

"In Italian, it means 'sky'. And as I've told you before, Cielo once had a sky." Turning to the girl, "Chrome, if you would finish quickly please?"

Putting some marshmallows in it, she gave Tsuna the speckled, nearly broken cup and Mukuro began his story.

"Once upon a time, there were four royalties in the kingdom of Cielo. One was a prince, One was a princess, and the other two were kings. None of them are related, only chosen by the vote of the people. Cielo was, let's say, not a very politically skilled kingdom. Often, war would ensue between the two kings, fighting for dominance for such a small land. The only two that never fought was the prince and the princess. The prince was courageous and determined, but sometimes he could act rashly for the sake of others. The princess was fair and beautiful, delicate and petite. She was the kindest of the four, and would do anything in her power to help anyone of any status. One king was clever and cunning. The other was harsh, and rarely had any mercy on any who stood in his way. Each had been given an emblazon of their own to identify eachother. The princess was the club, the strict king was the diamond, the cunning king was the heart, and the prince was the spade."

"Like…a deck of cards?" Tsuna interrupted politely, taking a sip out of his hot drink.

"Exactly," Mukuro nodded and continued, "One day, the princess and prince were playing in the garden as usual, unaware of the fact that the two kings were having their final stand in the courtroom. The strict king was tired of sharing the throne with the others, determined that he could rule by himself with ease. Then cunning king took him up to the challenge and said if he could find a way to destroy the sky, he and the other royalties would step down from their thrones. The king of diamonds wasn't very clever but very hot-blooded so he accepted the king of heart's challenge, despite how impossible it seemed. And so the spiteful ruler set off in a journey but never returned. It was only a day later the sky became dim.

"The sky actually got dim-it was something he hadn't expected, but it wouldn't interfere with his plans. He waved it away, deeming it unimportant. The cunning king of hearts quickly thought of a plan to get rid of the prince and princess, just as he promised. He would invoke war between the two, he thought with a wicked smile. He went up to the princess, the very easiest to manipulate, and said to her that the prince actually hated her and believed that she was trying to kill him to have the throne all to herself. The princess, distraught, ran away and never came back. The sky dimmed even further. The last royal was the prince, who still believed in the missing princess and king. He was determined to bring them back. The cunning king didn't even have to speak with him. The prince left on a journey by himself to search for them. He never came back. The sky dimmed even more.

"Finally, the king of hearts had the kingdom all to himself. He sat down in the court room, looking smugly at the empty chairs and he said to them 'Now the kingdom is all mine. There is nothing you can do about it.' Then just like that, the king of hearts disappeared too, in his own castle. The public, watched in horror as the sky, once a beautiful deep blue turned into a deep somber gray. There was no longer a day or night, no moon or sun, the only thing that remained was themselves. The people believed that this would be temporary and waited patiently for the royals' return. But they never came back. And that is why the sky is as gray as you see now."

At the end of Mukuro's story, everyone sat around the kitchen in silence, thinking about the sky. Tsuna clapped softly, "That wasn't a very good story, but I liked your story-telling, Mukuro."

Mukuro scowled at the applauding boy. "It wasn't a story. It was true."

"Yeah!" M.M agreed, twisting in her seat to glare at Tsuna in Mukuro's defense, "It's a true story!"

"Well, actually, the story was passed down from generation to generation. It's just a story to scare the little kids into reconciling petty fights." Chikusa spoke up, adjusting his glasses.

"Reconciling." Tsuna repeated, tapping a finger to his lip in thought.

Mukuro turned to look at Tsuna directly in the eyes, "We—"

"Actually," Ken grumbled next to Tsuna, "Only Mukuro-san believes in that bullcrap. M.M just agrees just because she likes him."

"—believe that by bringing the royalties back, then the sky will come back too." Mukuro put his hands on his hips and leaned towards Tsuna, "What do you think of my plan?"

Tsuna didn't know to reply to this, he was thinking of lying just for the sake of being nice, but was unexpectedly saved from doing just that. There really was no benefit for bringing the sky back. "Well now that storytime is over, we should really get some briefing on the next mission." Lanchia spoke up, making Tsuna jump. It was his first time hearing him speak, and the unexpected low voice frightened him a bit. Lanchia was a tall man by nature, not at all as young looking as the rest of the group. He was scary looking too, to his tight pants to his barely-a-shirt. His gaze was always sharp, never seeming to shroud.

"Right." Mukuro replied, instantly forgetting to receive Tsuna's opinion on the matter. "I haven't done that in a long time. So what have you guys been doing when I was away?"

The Kokuyo members looked at eachother, uncertain of what to say. Chrome spoke up, timidly, "Actually Mukuro-sama, we haven't made much progress since you left."

"Stupid! Keep your mouth shut!" Ken shouted at her, and she recoiled away, as if she was physically struck. Ken looked like he regretted it the moment he said it, but didn't apologize only shrugging angrily and settling himself back into his seat. He and Mukuro exchanged a knowing look

"So far, our only missions lately are to get something to eat for dinner each night. We've been living off of stolen food." Lanchia said bluntly, making Ken sputter at the atrocity of the horrible truth.

"Well, that explains everything," Tsuna mumbled, crossing his arms and glaring at Ken through his downcast gaze.

Mukuro sighed, putting a hand to his mouth to clear his throat. "Then I'll start the meeting. And this time I'm assigning you a real mission."

M.M sat up, a saucy smile to her lips, "A real mission! I almost don't believe it!"

Tsuna spaced out. A mission? What could it possibly be? But knowing Mukuro based on what he knew, it was something dangerous. He looked around the room, observing the other member's eager faces. They looked happy, Tsuna thought with a smile, surely, it wasn't anything life-threatening. Otherwise, why would they be so inflated about this?

"As you know, the Varia has been making less and less appearances out in Cielo. It's extremely alarming, and I'm curious as to what they are doing right now. So I'm going to send some of you over there to check it out." Mukuro tapped at his coat tail, and suddenly, just like magic, a small miniature landscape of a building, though it hardly looked like one—its size was equivalent to a castle had it been in its full-scale, appeared with a swish of his coat. Mukuro pointed at the side of the small structure, "I've gotten reliable sources that tell me that there is an escape route that they use for emergencies. In fact, they never once used it and its existence is only known to a handful of people, including Xanxus. So take caution. I want Chrome to definitely be there. She'll help against that tricky acrobaleno Varia member.

"Chikusa, I want you to go with her, Ken is too incapable of knowing the means of being incognito." At this, the blond boy grumbled, looking a little irked at Mukuro's choice, but didn't interject or protest in anyway. Tsuna realized with a secret amusement that Ken was just being a sore jealous loser. "Make it short and sweet. I'll expect you two to head off tomorrow and come back the day after. So bring supplies in case you are delayed. Meeting dismissed."

Tsuna's head spun. That was almost too fast. This mission stuff was really complicated. He smiled happily to himself though. It was nice being included like this, having to live with Hibari most of his time growing up made him see how much he was always left out. Just like that, the Kokuyo members dispersed, each going off to their own business. M.M stalked off haughtily to herself, sulking that Chrome had gotten a role and she didn't. They shrugged and one by one filed out the kitchen, some stretching high whereas Chrome and Chikusa immediately went to their own respective rooms to prepare.

Mukuro looked at Tsuna, "Let's go back to the room. We have to arrange things to your accommodations."

Taking the lead, Mukuro stepped up the stairs, Tsuna right behind him. He opened the door for him as he did before. He walked in. It was becoming almost annoying by the amount of times this man felt the need to treat him like a girl. The taller man quirked an eyebrow, and sat down on the couch. "First," he said, putting a hand up, "You need clothes."

Tsuna looked down at his attire, face warming in embarrassment. He was still in his pajamas. He looked his feet, the same socks Gamma had given him…Gamma. Tsuna's heart tightened. He wish they could've taken Gamma with them…

"I was about to say to get Ken's old clothes—" Tsuna shoot him a horrified look. He could imagine Ken's smug face now, the moment Tsuna asked for his help! "—But obviously he doesn't know personal hygiene and to be quite honest, Chrome once told me that she washes Ken's clothes every three months." It didn't lessen down his unease even souring it to the point of torment. "But I won't do that, so I'll just have to give you my old ones." Tsuna let out a relieved sigh. He wouldn't mind if it was Mukuro's then. Mukuro coughed into his gloved hand, looking away, his eyes narrowed at nothing on particular, shifting to Tsuna then back in a repeated pattern. "If you…don't mind wearing them."

Tsuna blinked. He didn't. Could it be, Mukuro was embarrassed? About what?

"Yes, well, here," Wow, Tsuna thought with a nervous laugh as he turned around and stared politely at the ragged curtains as Mukuro collected himself, he must have really embarrassing clothes if he was acting like that. "I believe they're still in the dresser over there," Mukuro pointed to a shabby looking plastic drawer sitting all by its lonesome in the corner, "You can have everything inside it, because really, I need new ones myself. I don't believe any of those fits me anymore."

Obediently following his pointed finger, Tsuna approached the flimsy drawer, and tugged at its handle. He was surprised to see very average looking clothes. He had expected Mukuro to have the leather jeans and open mid-drift sleeveless shirts he had seen on the streets in Cielo. Tsuna looked up at Mukuro, who was watching him with great intensity. The boy was a bit disturbed by this but it didn't make him hesitate in asking, "Mukuro, why were you so embarrassed about these?" Tsuna said fishing a garment out, and held up a blue camouflage shirt. It looked a little gaudy, but it looked pretty worn and old. Not at all something that was shameful to wear out in public.

"Embarrassed? Nonsense." He mumbled, nudging a rock away.

AN: You got a real taste of the plot now! The story Mukuro told is actually extremely important.

MANGA SPOILERS: I knew it! There is definitely something fishy about the Shimon transfer students, like srsly. It's too bad we never saw Hibari this entire chapter. Gokudera, as usual, is being a loyal nut again. Speaking of nuts, Nuts/Natsu is so adorable, I'm surprised Tsuna doesn't let him out all the time. It really warmed up to Enma. Any thoughts on this? I think that it's because of Enma's flame. Also, about his ring. Enma's ring is like bandages/coffins. So what is his summon? A mummy? LAWL AYM SO PUNNY.